Derby game prompts call for temporary halt to traffic lights

Lights at McDiarmid Park will cause delays for fans

Perth councillors are calling for action to temporarily halt traffic lights which could lead to heavy traffic congestion when St Johnstone meet Tayside rivals Dundee today.

SNP councillors for Perth City North, Dave Doogan and John Rebbeck, both want immediate action over the threeway lights located near the former 208 pub in Crieff Road and yards from McDiarmid Park, due to an expected derby day influx.

The lights were installed yesterday afternoon at the request of Perth and Kinross Council due to emergency repairs to a gas leak at the junction with Tulloch Terrace.

The local authority admits the traffic lights may cause “severe traffic congestion” and is advising motorists to avoid the area today.

Mr Doogan said he is “hopeful” council roads staff will understand the situation around today’s football.

“I will contact the council’s roads department as soon as possible to see if something can be done about these lights,” he said.

“People going to the game on Saturday should take a little bit more time and plan their journey in advance.”

Mr Rebbeck added: “There will be a big crowd at the St Johnstone versus Dundee game and I’d hope the council will try to halt the traffic lights temporarily on Saturday.”

A council spokesperson said: “Temporary three-way traffic lights with pedestrian crossing facilities were installed on Crieff Road, at its junction with Tulloch Terrace, on Friday. This is to repair an emergency gas leak adjacent to the former 208 pub.

“Residents should be aware this may cause severe traffic congestion. It is recommended that this area should be avoided if at all possible especially on Saturday, when the St Johnstone versus Dundee football fixture takes place at McDiarmid Park.”

No one could confirm if the council would temporarily remove the lights.

Police Scotland said: “If attending the match at McDiarmid Park on Saturday please be aware of ongoing roadworks on Crieff Road, Perth, that could potentially cause traffic congestion.”

The game at McDiarmid Park will kick-off at 3pm.

I’d hope the council will try to halt the traffic lights temporarily on Saturday

Picture: SNS. A large derby day crowd is expected today as St Johnstone play Dundee.